Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this easy pasta salad is packed with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, olives, tangy feta, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, picnics, or summer gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

12 oz (340 g) pasta, such as rotini, penne, or bow ties
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup diced red or yellow bell pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Optional: ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced

For the Mediterranean Dressing

⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey, optional
½ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Allow the pasta to cool.

2. Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined.

3. Assemble the salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, basil, and optional pepperoncini.

4. Add the dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add the feta

Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.

6. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.

7. Serve

Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 45–55 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Delicious Add-Ins

You can customize this salad with:

Grilled chicken
Tuna
Chickpeas
Artichoke hearts
Sun-dried tomatoes
Roasted zucchini
Fresh spinach or arugula

Complete Nut & Allergen Information

Tree Nuts

This recipe contains no tree nuts as written.

Peanuts

This recipe contains no peanuts as written.

Gluten

Regular pasta is usually made from wheat and contains gluten. Use certified gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

Milk/Dairy

The feta cheese contains milk. Use a dairy-free feta alternative or omit it if needed.

Eggs

Some pasta varieties may contain egg, depending on the type and brand. Check the package if avoiding eggs.

Mustard

This recipe contains Dijon mustard, which may be an allergen for some people.

Cross-Contact

Always check labels on pasta, feta, olives, Dijon mustard, pepperoncini, and other packaged ingredients for allergen declarations and possible cross-contact.

Q&A

Can I make Mediterranean pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It is great for meal prep. Prepare it up to 1 day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add fresh herbs and a little extra dressing before serving if needed.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3–4 days.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite certified gluten-free pasta.

Can I add protein?
Yes! Grilled chicken, tuna, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans are all delicious additions.

Why does my pasta salad seem dry after refrigeration?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, or extra dressing before serving.

Can I serve it warm?
Yes. You can toss the warm cooked pasta with the vegetables and dressing for a warm Mediterranean-style pasta salad, though it is traditionally delicious served chilled.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative, and replace the honey with maple syrup or simply leave it out.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.